Amazon.com
Pete Egoscue learned a lot about pain when, as a Marine officer, he waswounded in Vietnam. He segued from patient to physical therapist, and now runs afamous clinic in San Diego, where he claims he's helped 95 percent of his patients curechronic pain--including Jack Nicklaus and Charles Barkley, whose athletic careers hehelped prolong. At the heart of his program are stretches and motion exercises to restoreproper function to muscles and joints. His methods are often surprising andcounterintuitive. For example, for foot pain, he suggests a series of hip exercises. In fact,this is one of the most startling books you'll read about the human organism. Egoscue hasstrong opinions about how modern life is changing the way our bodies function, reducingthe tasks we must perform and thus reducing the functional range of motion of ourmuscles and joints. Fortunately, he offers movement exercises to restore what naturemeant us to have.Book Description
Starting today, you don't have to live in pain.

That is the revolutionary message of this breakthrough system for eliminating chronic pain without drugs, surgery, or expensive physical therapy. Developed by Pete Egoscue, a nationally renowned physiologist and sports injury consultant to some of today's top athletes, the Egoscue Method has an astounding 95 percent success rate. The key is a series of gentle exercises and carefully constructed stretches called E-cises. Inside you'll find detailed photographs and step-by-step instructions for dozens of e-cizes specifically designed to provide quick and lasting relief of:

Lower back pain, hip problems, sciatica, and bad knees
Carpal tunnel syndrome and even some forms of arthritis
Migraines and other headaches, stiff neck, fatigue, sinus problems, vertigo, and TMJ
Shin splints, varicose veins, sprained or weak ankles, and many foot ailments
Bursitis, tendinitis, and rotator cuff problems
Plus special preventive programs for maintaining health through the entire body.

With this book in hand, you're on your way to regaining the greatest gift of all: a pain-free body!

the help of Pete Egoscue's revolutionary program of quick
stretches and strength-building exercises, you can cure
chronic pain, and do it naturally.

Pete Egoscue has shown thousands of individuals, corporations, schools, and championship sports teams how to eliminate pain without investing in expensive ergonomic devices or resorting to surgery or drug therapies.  His groundbreaking book, with nearly 50,000 hardcover copies sold, shows readers how to:

Relieve lower back pain
Improve hip problems, sciatica, and bad knees
Relieve migraines and other headaches, stiff neck, fatigue, sinus problems, vertigo, and TMJ
Relieve painful problems, like carpal tunnel syndrome, often misdiagnosed as arthritis
Prevent injuries and maintain health through stretching programs for the entire body

Filled with easy instructions, photos, and line illustrations throughout, this book will provide quick, effective pain relief. --> ... Read more

Customer Reviews (147)

good book
lots of info on pain relief.main focus is on alignment and what you can do to improve yours.the exercises work if you work them.the hardest thing is stay true to them after you feel better.i also have the video,which is also very good.if you have pain,try the method,you might find relief,i have.

Should be required reading for doctors, chiropractors; all medical professionals
I bought my first copy of this book on a closeout table several years ago. I have a number of chronic conditions which result in chronic pain. What I liked was the statement that his exercises stop pain right away... hard to believe, but for a few bucks, it was worth a look.

Well, I was, and I remain, ASTOUNDED at how spot-on Pete Egoscue is with his method. It's a simple premise - when your body is in alignment, you have far less pain ... similar to chiropractic philosophy EXCEPT- Egoscue takes it a logical step forward. Your muscles are what hold your bones in place... and if you don't retrain your muscles, no amount of chiropractic adjustments will really help.

His exercises are EASY. There's none of the "hang upside down by your toes" absurd things you find so often in 'methods' which purport to eliminate pain.

I've loaned this book (and finally bought several as loaners and gifts) to friends which both acute and chronic pain issues, and IN EVERY SINGLE case, these exercises helped them dramatically. One friend is dealing with advanced cancer, and somehow got intense sciatica - he said the pain was worse than the cancer! - and he did a few of the exercises from Egoscue's book and eliminated the pain. And this fellow had all the high end pain medications he wanted - they couldn't stop his pain, but the "supine groin stretch" did it. (As an aside, can you imagine how great it feels to really HELP a close friend in a situation like this?)

Now, it WILL stop your pain right away, but the effects won't last indefinitely. You do have to participate here... you do these easy and relatively quick exercises daily for a while... ideally you'll make his whole body routine a part of your daily life. (I didn't, too lazy I guess, but do return to the book whenever I need the help... along with yoga, you can't lose!!)

I can't imagine a better testimonial to this method. It WORKS. Just like he says. Wow.

Worth a try.
The idea behind this book is that you can relieve pain by normalizing your body's posture and movement. Likewise, the book's premise is that chronic pain is the result of imbalances in your body. The cure? Exercises called "E-cises" that aim to get your body lined up properly and moving normally. All major areas of the body are covered such as the hips, knees, ankles, back, and so on. Recommend this book for chronic pain sufferers- even if the theory of the book is incorrect, it will get you exercising which has been shown to help fight chronic pain. Shoulder pain sufferers might also find Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff helpful as well.

Pain Free: A Revolutionary Method for Stopping Chronic Pain
Received my first book of Pain Free while in physical theraphy. Egoscue theraphy is excellant.Had past previous books on to friends, just re-supplying my library.

Great Guide to Pain Elimination in the Body
This book is an excellent resource for living and functioning with proper body posture and alignment, and how we can make easy changes in our bodies to eliminate and maintain a pain free life. ... Read more

Amazon.com
Healing Back Pain promises permanent elimination of back pain without drugs, surgery, or exercise. It should have been titled Understanding TMS Pain, because it discusses one particular cause of back pain--Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS)--and isn't really a program for self-treatment, with only five pages of action plan (and many more pages telling why conventional methods don't work). According to John E. Sarno, M.D., TMS is the major cause of pain in the back, neck, shoulders, buttocks, and limbs--and it is caused not by structural abnormalities but by the mind's effort to repress emotions. He's not saying that your pain is all in your head; rather, he's saying that the battle going on in your mind results in a real physical disorder that may affect muscles, nerves, tendons, or ligaments. An injury may have triggered the disorder, but is not the cause of the amount or intensity of the resulting pain. According to Sarno, the mind tricks you into not facing repressed emotion by making you focus on pain in the body. When this realization sinks in ("and it must sink in, for mere intellectual appreciation of the process is not enough"), the trick doesn't work any more, and there's no need for the pain. (Healing Back Pain should not be used for self-diagnosis. Always consult a physician for chronic or acute back pain.) --Joan PriceBook Description
Healing Back Pain promises permanent elimination of back pain without drugs, surgery, or exercise. It should have been titled Understanding TMS Pain, because it discusses one particular cause of back pain--Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS)--and isn't really a program for self-treatment, with only five pages of action plan (and many more pages telling why conventional methods don't work). According to John E. Sarno, M.D., TMS is the major cause of pain in the back, neck, shoulders, buttocks, and limbs--and it is caused not by structural abnormalities but by the mind's effort to repress emotions. He's not saying that your pain is all in your head; rather, he's saying that the battle going on in your mind results in a real physical disorder that may affect muscles, nerves, tendons, or ligaments. An injury may have triggered the disorder, but is not the cause of the amount or intensity of the resulting pain. According to Sarno, the mind tricks you into not facing repressed emotion by making you focus on pain in the body. When this realization sinks in ("and it must sink in, for mere intellectual appreciation of the process is not enough"), the trick doesn't work any more, and there's no need for the pain. (Healing Back Pain should not be used for self-diagnosis. Always consult a physician for chronic or acute back pain.) --Joan PriceDownload Description
Dr. John E. Sarno, author of the revolutionary book Mind Over Back Pain, is a medical pioneer whose program has helped thousands of patients overcome their back conditions--without drugs or dangerous surgery. Now, using his latest research into TMS (Tension Myositis Syndrome), Dr. Sarno goes one step further: after identifying stress and other psychological factors in back pain, he demonstrates how many of his patients have then gone on to heal themselves without exercise or other physical therapy. Find out:· Why self motivated and successful people are prone to TMS· How anxiety and repressed anger trigger muscle spasms· How people "train themselves" to experience back pain· How you may get relief from back pain· How you may get relief from back pain within two to six weeks by recognizing TMS and its causes With case histories and the results of in-depth mind-body research, Dr. Sarno describes how patients recognize the emotional roots of their TMS and sever the connections between mental and physical pain and how, just by reading this book, you may start recovering from back pain today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (343)

Thank you Dr. Sarno!
I read this book back in September of 2006 and intended to come back and post a review but it had slipped my mind.However, the book helped me tremendously!I was so gratefully that I wrote Dr. Sarno a letter in December of 2006.Rather than re-writing my situation and opinion of this book, I will paste in the letter I sent him.

Dear Dr. Sarno,

I have been running for over 20 years and always maintained a very healthy lifestyle.In 2005, I gradually increased my training compared to recent years in an effort to get back into competitive shape.On January 1 of 2006 I began having pain in my lower back.Shortly after that, I had to curtail and eventually quit my running.An MRI in late February indicated bulging discs in the lower lumbar region.Throughout the year I continued to experience pain in my lower back despite having eliminated my running.The pain was amplified whenever I bent over.Things like brushing my teeth and flip-turning while swimming were the most aggravating.During this time, I saw a general practitioner, 2 chiropractors, 2 physical therapists and a stretching specialist - taking up lots of my time and money.All of them treated me with the conventional methods to no avail.In early September, I got the second referral to your book, "Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection", and finally decided to read it.

Shortly after beginning the book, I began to feel less pain in my back.By the end of the book a couple weeks later, I felt like the pain had dissipated enough and that I had enough confidence to resume running.I have been running pain-free now for 2 months and do not experience any pain when bending over like I used to.I believe that your theory on lower back pain (TMS) is very accurate and that all I needed to do was realize the true cause of my pain in order to eliminate it.

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge on back pain and for writing this book!I credit you and the book for getting me back into a pain-free state to where I can enjoy all the things in life that I did before the pain.

Sincerely,

A must read
I had been having lower back pains for like six months when I got this book, and I had a sever golfers elbow that I had treated with every conventional to unconventional therapy for more than two years (acupuncture shock wave treatment orthopedics etc) after just starting to read about TMS, I started to get better, and before I ever finished the book I was almost 100% free from any pain. Now I need to get rid off my hay fever too.

Indeed this book is a lifesaver if your are ready to accept the thesis.

This really works
I came down with a bad bout of sciatica last fall of 2007.I was in excrutiating pain.Pain started in my buttocks and radiated down to my knee cap.I could not sit, lay down, or sleep.I tried everything.I went to the chiropractor and had the electrodes, massage therapy, adjustments, acupuncture nothing helped.I went to the PC DR and was prescribed steriods and an MRI.The MRI showed a slipped disk on my left side note my pain was on the right.I researched the net to try to find an explaination of why this was happening and what I could do.My pain on a scale of 1-10 was a 10.A colleage shared the idea of this book with me.I went home watched the DVD and then read the book.My pain subsided in a matter of weeks.The self talk explained in the book was what really worked for me.Dr Sarno I thank you for relieving me of my excrutiating pain and allowing me to return to a normal life.I now have the knowledge of what lies beneath this pain that is 100% real.

The Miracle of Honest Science
I suffered from chronic lower back pain for over half a year before reading this book. I am only about a third of the way through it and am already almost completely healed.

It is nice to see that medical science is finally becoming science (again): self-transcending, undogmatic, honest in acknowledging the subject as always-already the foundation of faith/reason (for the two are here conflated) in any seeking of ('objective') truth which is not 'out there' but rather 'right here', at the core of consciousness itself, and capable of birthing much stronger physiological concomitants than the modern western mind is typically prepared to acknowledge. Indeed, the greatest medicine (self-Knowledge) is free and sets free, but requires the courage to face oneself in a most radical way. "Error is not blindness; error is cowardice."

MUST read this book if you have back pain
I heard about Dr. Sarno from a friend who said that his back pain was completely cured after he read this book. I later picked it up for another friend with back pain and ended up reading it before giving it to him. It's such a revolutionary concept that its almost fantasy fiction. I continue to give this book to anyone with chronic back pain. A few weeks ago, my boyfriend's back went out, he got the MRI and the surgeon recommended immediate surgery for his ruptured disk. I made him read the book and he felt a bit better. He's scheduled to see a doctor that specializes in TMS to get a full diagnosis before he ignores the surgeon. But this gives hope to anyone who has back pain that they can get completely better. Read it before you do any invasive procedures, go to a doctor or get an MRI. It just might cure you. ... Read more

Book Description
Terrie Williams knows that Black people are hurting. She knows because she's one of them.

Terrie had made it: she had launched her own public relations company with such clients as Eddie Murphy and Johnnie Cochran. Yet she was in constant pain, waking up in terror, overeating in search of relief. For thirty years she kept on her game face of success, exhausting herself daily to satisfy her clients' needs while neglecting her own.

Terrie finally collapsed, staying in bed for days. She had no clue what was wrong or if there was a way out. She had hit rock bottom and she needed and got help.

She learned her problem had a name --depression -- and that many suffered from it, limping through their days, hiding their hurt. As she healed, her mission became clear: break the silence of this crippling taboo and help those who suffer.

Black Pain identifies emotional pain -- which uniquely and profoundly affects the Black experience -- as the root of lashing out through desperate acts of crime, violence, drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, workaholism, and addiction to shopping, gambling, and sex. Few realize these destructive acts are symptoms of our inner sorrow.

Black people are dying. Everywhere we turn, in the faces we see and the headlines we read, we feel in our gut that something is wrong, but we don't know what it is. It's time to recognize it and work through our trauma.

In Black Pain, Terrie has inspired the famous and the ordinary to speak out and mental health professionals to offer solutions. The book is a mirror turned on you. Do you see yourself and your loved ones here? Do the descriptions of how the pain looks, feels, and sounds seem far too familiar? Now you can do something about it.

Stop suffering. The help the community needs is here: a clear explanation of our troubles and a guide to finding relief through faith, therapy, diet, and exercise, as well as through building a supportive network (and eliminating toxic people).

Black Pain encourages us to face the truth about the issue that plunges our spirits into darkness, so that we can step into the healing light.

You are not on the ledge alone. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

SOMEONE ELSE SHARES MY WORLD
I knew there were people who felt what I felt and I wanted to write someone.But one day I caught a short portion of a conversation Ms. Williams was having on the radio and she mentioned her book.I ran write out to order it.It talks to my soul in a way that made me know that other people were suffering and that maybe I should get someone to talk to other than hiding.The title of the book speaks volumes alone not to mention the words between the cover.I give this book the highest raiting there is.Thank you Ms. Williams for your story and the story of so many others.

Wow, Terrie is brave and Speak the Truth!
Terrie I applaud your mission, vision and precision in which you handle such a "touchy" subject in the Black community.You know how to bring people together for a cause and I was so awed by the information you researched in this book and the resources you shared. Thank you for stepping out and championing this topic and bring light on a subject that has kept many in the dark for so long. Excellent read - touching and motivating.A book for anyone who have ever known anyone who suffered from depression or any mental illness. A flashlight book!

Pam Perry
Chocolate Pages Reviews

Let's Start Talking
Millions of black people are needlessly suffering from depression.Even when the symptoms of depression are raging and screaming inside of us, too many of us are not doing anything to seek help. Could it be a lack of knowledge about the disease?Could it be the stigma that depression is a mental illness and we are ashamed to be associated with a disease such as this?Would we choose cancer or high blood pressure, would we choose a heart attack? NO.Neither do we choose depression.
Terrie Williams latest book"Black Pain, It just looks like We Aren't Hurting" is a literary treasure.This book should be recommended reading in every household, and school counselors should have a copy on their shelves.It's a masterpiece for book club discussions.

Terrie Williams, an International MotivationalSpeaker, Publicist, Entrepreneur, Best Selling Author and Visionary, comes forward and leads the way to encourage you to exit the darkness and enter into light.The collective wisdom that is shared in this book will, without a doubt ,let you know thatbecause we often choose to remain silent, untreated depression can be extremely traumatizing. It can even kill you.

Whether fervently speaking to an audience or ardently through the pages of this insightful book, you are instantly aware of her compassion for others. You sense the urgency of her mission to expose the myth that depression is a weakness and something that you should be ashamed of.
One story, Terrie's own life account of a successful journey in the business and entertainment world, while secretly fighting the intense forces of depression is riveting to say the least.What happened when her mask came off?It was monolithic.Thousands of people from all walks of life reached out to Terrie, for they too were struggling with this condition.

Black Pain is full of quotes, statistics and true chronicles from celebrities, professionals, and everyday working people who candidly and passionately share their stories. The inner struggle and conflict with depression comes in many forms and can attack different people in various ways. This triumphant book is about finding the courage to take responsibility for yourself or for someone that you love.

You'll be astonished, you'll be sorrowful, you'll even laugh, but most of all you'll be informed.

Three words; Read Black Pain.
Let's start talking and sharing so we can become a part of the solution.

Sisters Sippin Tea - Tulsa Chapter

READ THIS BOOK
Terrie Williams has written a masterwork on how Black oppression has led to Black depression. Every African-American will find their story told over and over, informing them of where their variety of depression comes from, plays out and where they can go for effective help. For the non-Black reader this book will educate and illuminate for you not only the Black experience but in essence your own. I have just finished this amazing book and and now reading it for the second time. Read this book! Nuff said. ... Read more

Book Description

The bestselling author of From Fatigued to Fantastic shows chronic pain sufferers how to treat the underlying causes of pain and regain health and vitality

Customer Reviews (13)

Helpful
Incredible book! It has helped my mother, that has fibromyaglia, more than any doctor ever has! After a month she is better already! And she was in the worst shape of any fibro patient anyone had ever seen.

WOW
I would recommend this book to any one who has pain.Their are ideas that I have found nowhere else. This Doctor believes the body can not heal if it doesn't have what it needs to do so.If the cell lacks energy, how can the body heal?I have purchased this book for several people.Pain is a complex problem.This book has answers.

Good information
I received the book very promptly and it was in good condition.
The information is very good on what I have read so far.

If you are in pain, this is THE book for you
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
"Although both allopathic and natural medicines have their weaknesses, when you combine them, almost all pain can be effectively treated. It's the difference between having only one tool- say a hammer, which is like allopathic medicine - or a whole tool kit that includes the dozens of other healing arts available in natural medicine. A hammer can be a very useful tool, but unfortunately when all you have is a hammer, everything starts to look like a nail! It's much easier to get the job done safely and effectively when you are using all the tools available." (Keep in mind the author is a medical doctor!)

"I simply propose that you use the best of both systems. To make this easier for you, and to maintain objectivity, I have a policy of not taking money from any companies (natural or pharmaceutical) whose products I recommend. In addition, for the products I make, 100 percent of my royalties go to charity. There's nothing wrong with money, I simply don't want to get in the way of your getting well!" [Wow, now isn't that refreshing!]

"...most Americans are chronically dehydrated, and this can make you feel worse as well. I do not recommend that you count glasses of water; this is an annoying way to spend a day. Simply check in with your mouth and lips every so often. If they are dry, you are dehydrated and need to drink more water."(How many times have we all read that we have to have eight or ten glasses of water a day? Really, how many of us spend a day counting how much we drink?! What a practical solution to the problem!)

You will find this book engaging, informative and practical.

Great book
Great book.I have taken some of the ideas to the Dr and they have helped.Would highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Amazon.com
The Problem of Pain answers the universal question, "Why would anall-loving, all-knowing God allow people to experience pain and suffering?"Master Christian apologist C.S. Lewis asserts that pain is a problem because ourfinite, human minds selfishly believe that pain-free lives would prove that Godloves us. In truth, by asking for this, we want God to love us less, not morethan he does. "Love, in its own nature, demands the perfecting of the beloved;that the mere 'kindness' which tolerates anything except suffering in its objectis, in that respect at the opposite pole from Love." In addressing "DivineOmnipotence," "Human Wickedness," "Human Pain," and "Heaven," Lewis succeeds inlifting the reader from his frame of reference by artfully capitulating thesetopics into a conversational tone, which makes his assertions easy to swallowand even easier to digest. Lewis is straightforward in aim as well as honestabout his impediments, saying, "I am not arguing that pain is not painful. Painhurts. I am only trying to show that the old Christian doctrine that being madeperfect through suffering is not incredible. To prove it palatable is beyond mydesign." The mind is expanded, God is magnified, and the reader is reminded thathe is not the center of the universe as Lewis carefully rolls through thedissertation that suffering is God's will in preparing the believer for heavenand for the full weight of glory that awaits him there. While many of us naivelywish that God had designed a "less glorious and less arduous destiny" for hischildren, the fortune lies in Lewis's inclination to set us straight with hischarming wit and pious mind. --Jill HeatherlyBook Description
Why must humanity suffer?In this elegant and thoughtful work, C. S. Lewis questions the pain and suffering that occur everyday and how this contrasts with the notion of a God that is both omnipotent and good. An answer to this critical theological problem is found within these pages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (80)

Must read book
If you are a Christian... or if you were once a Christian, "The Problem of Pain" is one of the most important books you could read in your lifetime. Perhaps, it is one of the most important books in Christian thought and scholarship.

Stan Faryna

The Problem of Pain
It says something that after so many years C. S. Lewis is still one of the foremost Christian apologists of our time.The Problem of Pain is a difficult question every religion has to deal with, and one which has been especially difficult for Christianity.Some religions have the luxury of explaining pain as something deserved - a result of bad behavior from a previous life, or perhaps pain and suffering are caused by a malevolent deity in opposition to a good and loving God.Christianity has no such option.

"If God were good, he would wish to make His creatures perfectly happy, and if God were almighty He would be able to do what He wished.But the creatures are not happy.Therefore God lacks either goodness, or power, or both."

Lewis presents a very readable and widely accessible solution to this problem, covering the origins of human suffering, incurred in the fall, what divine omnipotence and goodness really mean, and why they allow for the existence of pain in creation, heaven and hell, and a topic not often treated but important - the existence of pain in animals who are in every sense innocent.

Particularly useful is Lewis' distinction between kindness and love.Lewis reminds us that real love, a love that looks out for the best interests of the beloved, sometimes requires the inflicting of painful experience.From the perspective of the one undergoing the experience, this may not seem like love, but any parent, teacher, or anyone tasked with the guidance of the young will understand that this sort of "tough love" is often necessary if one does not want a spoiled child to grow into a spoiled adult.

The problems of The Problem of Pain
Clive Staples Lewis is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, Christian writers of the twentieth century.He is always accessible to ordinary people like me because of his plain-spokenness and his willingness to use analogies and examples.That said, he had his work cut out for him here, and he wasn't up to the task.Here's where he fell short.

*"If the universe is so bad...how on earth did human beings come to attribute it to the activity of a wise and good Creator?" (p 17).This is a straw man and a non sequitur.It's a straw man because the universe isn't bad.Viewed one way, it merely *is.*Viewed another way, parts of our universe are good (sex, love, family, football) and parts are bad (pain, loss, despair, death).It's a non sequitur because there is no logical link between the universe and Lewis' implication that because we can conceive of the Good, Good therefore must exist.It would make just as much sense to say that because humans have conceived of a movie where aliens come to earth that therefore E.T. must exist.

*Lewis uses the reasoning that because we, humans, have a conception of proper conduct, with only some variation among cultures, that this must mean that God has given us morality (p 21).In response, I note that if morality is externally imposed on us as a fixed law of nature, then there would be no variation in it, or else God would be inconsistent.It would be like having the sun shine for one person but not the person right next to him.Moreover, there is a simple anthropological explanation for basic moral conduct.Conduct that perpetuates the family or group over time is more successful than conduct that harms the family or group.That's why the Hottentots, who immorally kill their "excess" babies, remain a small group, while the rest of humanity has grown.

*The key part of the book is Lewis' attempt to resolve the problem of pain inflicted on people by forces of nature, i.e., pain experienced by a person, inflicted by a force not engaging in human free will.Lewis attempts to answer this particular dilemma by essentially arguing that the nature of reality requires this type of pain to exist: "Try to exclude the possibility of suffering which the order of nature...involve[s], and you will find you have excluded life itself" (pp 33-34, see also p 54).

Frankly, Lewis' conclusion doesn't make sense.Let's take a plausible example from the 2004 Tsunami that killed more than 250,000 people, many of them children.A child is the least morally culpable type of person, I think everyone can agree.So: a three-year-old child is drowning in the tsunami, screaming for help that never comes, gasping, choking, in utter terror as he vainly attempts to catch a breath of air.He drowns after experiencing four or five minutes of torture and fear.Lewis is saying the child *had* to suffer this way -- that reality would grind to a halt if he didn't?Lewis himself in this very discussion admits God performs miracles when it suits him (p 34) but somehow God can't alter reality so that this child does not suffer?

Lewis attempts to buttress his position by arguing that to take away pain totally would be like playing chess with a player who could change the rules at his whim (p 34).That might make sense when discussing pain caused through free will, but not when discussing pain caused by nature.He inappropriately analogizes the impersonal forces of nature to a free-willed individual, the chess player.

*"When the relevant difference between the Divine ethics and your own appears to you...the change demanded of you is in the direction you already call `better'" (p 39).In response, I point out one of the classic clashes between human ethics and divine ethics presented in the bible: the sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham.Gen. 22:1-2.Is Mr. Lewis really telling us that our moral compass will tell us that offering our children as sacrifices is in the direction of "better"?Which is more important -- following our morals or being obedient to God?Lewis can't make up his mind, first saying the former (pp 38-39), then the latter (pp 101-102).

*"[L]ove may cause pain to its object, but only on the supposition that the object needs alteration to become fully loveable" (pp 55, 91-92).While that may be true in some circumstances -- "For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth" Prov. 3:12 -- it certainly doesn't make sense when it comes to the suffering of children.Does a baby really need to die screaming in agony in that house fire in order for God to fully love it?Ridiculous.Outrageous.Monstrous.Contemptible.

Lewis can throw in the towel, and claim that spiritual realities are not "even explicable in terms of our abstract thought" (p 86).Or he can cherry-pick his examples on pain by claiming that free will necessarily must include pain (pp 32-31, 81-82) and we need pain to whip us, adults, into shape morally (pp 55, 104-107, 120).Fine.But don't pretend the existence of pain can be satisfactorily answered if you can't answer the problem of pain inflicted by nature on children.Every, EVERY scenario in which pain is felt and inflicted must be satisfactorily answered, or the premise of a loving, personal God, fails.

Personally, I think the only real response to the problem of pain is the one God gave to Job: "Shut up."See Job 38:1 - 40:2.

Disappointing
I read this book some time before I abandoned Christianity.I was looking for answers to some of the serious questions and doubts that are bound to come in any thinking Christian's life.My reaction to Lewis's arguments in this book were, "Is this really the best we can do?"I was deeply disappointed.I'd expected something a lot better and I was astonished at the poverty of Lewis's theodicy.If this is top-shelf apologetics, then apologetics is a poor field.

A Simple but Poweful Argument
C.S. Lewis offers a brilliant defense of Christian theism despite the pain in the world in this brief book. Combining sharp thinking and excellent prose, this book is highly recommended for Christians and non-Christians alike.

Lewis's arguments are similar to many theodicies (defenses of God's existence despite suffering) developed by great Christian thinkers past and present. Man's suffering is in fact a result of free will, not an original creation of God. And suffering continues to result due to the evil wills and deeds of men. As Lewis observes, "When souls become wicked they will certainly use this possibility to hurt one another; and this, perhaps, accounts for four-fifths of the sufferings of men." If men are to have any significant free will at all, the bad consequences of evil deeds must be allowed.

This, of course, leaves the problem of so-called natural evil. Lewis contends that such evil and pain are necessary for our own repentance. In order to recognize our sins and ask God for forgiveness (and thus restore the proper relationship between created and Creator) we humans must be awoken with pain and suffering. Pain shatters the notion that what we have is ours and is good enough.

The Problem of Pain, despite its brevity, covers a great deal of ground, including a defense of the doctrine of the fall and the doctrines of heaven and hell. All throughout, Lewis's writing style is accessible and convincing. For a powerful defense of Christian theism in the face of a cruel world, "The Problem of Pain" is highly recommended. ... Read more

Amazon.com
What causes chronic, debilitating back pain, one of the most common--andexpensive to treat--ailments in the world? According to Robin McKenzie, a NewZealand physiotherapist for over 40 years and author of the wildly popularself-help manuals Treat Your OwnBack and Treat Your OwnNeck, distortion of the spinal disks--either from bad posture orinjury--is the cause of the pain. The magic cure is the McKenzie Method--sevenvery specific exercises that allow the spine to return to its natural position.But forget the doctors--McKenzie asserts that the management of your back painis your responsibility. Practice his seven unique exercises (the book includesseven each for the back and neck) consistently and at regular intervals and justabout anyone can cure his or her own back or neck pain without the help ofprofessionals. McKenzie believes self-treatment is actually more successful thanmedical interventions like surgery, chiropractic, or physical therapy, andindeed, recent research does show self-treatment to be a highly effectivemethod.

More richly detailed and in-depth than his previous books, this volume isillustrated with over 100 photos and liberally peppered with real-life casehistories. Starting with an analysis of how the back and neck work, it moves onto a discussion of the common causes of pain--bad posture is most often toblame. At the core is a detailed explanation of how to do the McKenzie Methodexercises, when to apply them, and how to adjust your personal program overtime. Included are instructions for people who suffer with acute back and neckpain (with appropriate cautions regarding when to call a medical professional)as well as for people in special situations like pregnant women, athletes, andseniors. An impassioned introduction by coauthor Craig Kubey, a satisfiedconvert after suffering intense back and neck pain as a result of several autoaccidents, could very well make a believer out of anyone. --MariannePainterBook Description
The phenomenon known as the McKenzie Method has helped millions of people with chronic back and neck pain. In 7 Steps to a Pain-Free Life, its founder, world-renowned physical therapist Robin McKenzie, shares the innovative program that can save you from a life of pain. 7 Steps to a Pain-Free Life combines and enhances McKenzie's back and neck books that have sold more than 5.5 million copies worldwide.

The 7 essential steps that make up the McKenzie Method have become the keystone for back and neck care in 35 countries, including the United States. In this easy-to-follow, fully illustrated book, you'll read about:

* Common causes of lower-back and neck pain
* The vital role discs play in back and neck health
* Easy exercises that alleviate pain immediately
* How to stay out of pain

Complete with more than 150 photos and illustrations, and considered the treatment of choice by health care professionals throughout the world, 7 Steps to a Pain-Free Life will help you get out of pain-and stay out of pain. It is an invaluable tool for better health. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (63)

Help is at Hand
I would never have believed that spending a few minutes a day with a little book could relieve my chronic back-pain, but I believe it now!I have lived with pain for years, and have had both my hips replaced. This gave me much relief, but I sit a lot, which causes pain in itself.My son has this book, and while visiting him I looked through it, and half-heartedly did a couple of exercises.I was surprised and delighted to find that my back felt better after a few minutes of the exercises.I ordered it from you when I went home, and when I received it I began to do the suggested movements as instructed.They are easy, have only to be done at my own pace, and the relief is extraordinary! The best thing is that I thought I would always have to rely on strong pain relievers, and it is now rarely that I take one, so the nausea I felt from their effects has gone too.An added bonus.It would be good to use this book before there was any pain - I feel it would keep the spine healthy for a lifetime.

Great Book for Managing Chronic Back and Neck Pain
This book was recommended to me by my orthopedist and my by physical therapist. It is very informative and the exercises are great. I have been using the book for about two years in conjunction with instructions from the above medical practitioners.The exercises really work to help you through and reduce the length of acute pain periods and when used daily significantly reduce episodes of acute pain.

Works only if your spine is stiff and the low back curve is flat
This is suitable for healthy and athletic type younger people. Be careful if you have DDD (degenerated disc of the lumbar) or arthritis. This may give relief for couple of day but the pain comes back! The tension pose (equivalent of bending back) actually increased my pain after 2 weeks.

Back pain is gone for first time in over 7 mo's after using this book
I am only 29 yrs old and have had a terrible back almost my whole life, and about 8 months ago, my worst ever back pain episode began and did not subside for another 6 months, until I read and began following the McKensie method principles.

My spine specialist almost demanded that I read this book, so I was a bit skeptical at first that he might be trying to promote the book for his own benefit.However, after having read and used the techniques outlined in this book for the first few days, I instantly became aware that my doctor was not trying to trick me, but rather, he gave me an incredibly valuable resource.I now do these stretches several times every day, and my back is practically pain free.I am able to go to the gym and exercise again without throwing out my back, and working an 8 hour day doesn't injure my back either.It's like a miracle.I am also seeing a McKensie method trained physical therapist now and am much better using his exercises when compared to the exercises of my old physical therapist.

I highly recommend giving this book a try if you have recurrent lower back pain that hurts most when sitting or standing, and is most severe when bending forward.It works better than all the doctors, acupuncturists, and physical therapists I've ever seen.And make sure your physical therapist is trained in the McKensie Method or else you could risk aggravating your back even further.

At Last!
I've been in pain for 6 months but just a few days of these exercises and the pain is gone.It's a quick read and the illustrations make the exercises easy to do.The testimonials were overkill and I skipped most of them.Back doctors may be put out of business! ... Read more

Book Description
“Women today not only deserve but should expect a pain-free, active lifestyle, no matter their age, no matter their previous experience.”

Pain Free for Women

In his famed San Diego clinic, Pete Egoscue has taught women of all ages and from all walks of life how to use the Egoscue Method for safe, effective, and permanent relief from chronic pain without prescription painkillers, physical therapy, or invasive surgery. Now he shares his specially adapted “Pain Free” program for women to use at home.

Whether you suffer from back or neck pain, joint discomfort or sore knees, or need more stamina, improved balance, and extra strength, here is a revolutionary and proven approach to self-care that promises optimal health through a simple set of exercises that will transform the way you move and feel — forever!

Egoscue shows women how to take back their bodies by recovering and restoring a precious health asset — full, free, flexible motion — that he believes has been drastically reduced by our modern lifestyle.

As Egoscue explains, motion not only develops a woman’s body but also maintains and rejuvenates it. Yet as her motion-deprived muscles disengage and weaken, it is common for a woman’s body to lose alignment, leading to repetitive stress injuries, persistent pain, and general bad health. Even the simplest activities — how she sits, stands, walks, works, lifts, and sleeps — can trigger problems.

Focusing on proper alignment, posture, and muscle engagement, Egoscue provides simple but powerful techniques to restore flexibility and function while at the same time boosting energy, revving up the immune system, even raising the body’s metabolic rate.

The remarkable “E-cises” included within have also been linked to improved ability to fight disease, cope with aging, and recover from accidents and injuries. The “miracle” cure Egoscue offers is, simply, correct motion.

Organized by the seasons of a woman’s life, Pain Free for Women pays particular attention to age-specific concerns such as puberty, childbirth, and menopause, as well as special issues such as arthritis, PMS, and depression.

At the same time, Egoscue shows how women can build a framework of healthy movement that will prevent illness and maintain pain-free good health throughout the journey of life.

According to Egoscue, reversing the effects of poor musculoskeletal fitness provides astonishing benefits, including:

•Better balance, posture, and breathing, as well as increased resiliency
•Effective and safe weight management
•Healthy bone density and visual acuity
•Heightened sex drive
•Delayed symptoms of aging
•Peace of mind and general tranquility

Extensively illustrated to demonstrate proper placement, posture, and movement, Pain Free for Women offers women of every age the possibility of feeling better than ever before.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Pain Free for Women: The Revolutionary Program for Ending Chronic Pain
Egoscue theraphy is excellant.Had past previous books on to friends, just re-supplying my library.

Pain Free for Women works! Do it 3 times a week
The Book Pain Free for Women is a great tool in your healthcare routine.If you follow the easy yoga type movements, you will feel better.The steps are easy to do and if you stick to it-it will help you.

Good Resource
This book provides an excellent explanation of the functions of the musculoskeletal system and how it's function affects women. The exercise instructions are clear and pictures are large. A good resource for women of all ages to improve or maintain musculoskeletal system health.

Wonderful!
I have so many things to say about this I would like to use bullet points. I will cover what it has done for me, add some comments on the book itself and then make a couple of final notes.

Notes about what using Egoscue's method has done in my life:

* I have been using this and Pete Egoscue's other book "Pain Free" for a year and a half now. I am a female in my early 30's. I have sent a copy of this book to all the women close to me because it has helped me so much.

* I have a very severe case of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and had constant pain throughout my body. I tested only two pressure points short for Fybromyalgia. As I became more ill my overall physical health declined severely. I couldn't even stand to do dishes for long, let alone cook or exercise or many of the things I am now become able to do.

* Within the first two weeks of doing the e-cises (only about 30 min a day) I stopped getting night sweats and the pervasive, all-over body pain went away. I still had a lot of joint pain and realized I was very badly out of alignment (when standing comfortably my right foot was turned out and further forward than my left by 6 inches - no kidding!).

* Over the last year and a half I have become less chemically sensitive, I don't get dizzy as often, my stamina has improved (I had gotten so I couldn't handle even handle flying on an airplane). For years I had a yellow tint to my skin (my doctor thought it was normal), but this has now disappeared, my liver enzymes were mildly elevated, but are now normal.

* I haven't had ANY pain from my herniated disk for over a year now!

* You don't have to be in pain to benefit. For years I tried to do handstands, but never go good at it. Presently I can do them with complete ease. I never realized that it wasn't my arm strength that was lacking (I had really strong arms), but rather, shoulder strength and alignment.

* I've had a limp ever since I was 11 when I cut the tendon to my large toe. I can now proudly say that the limp is completely gone. :) I also don't lose my balance all the time when I walk like I used to.

* Almost best of all is that I had sleep maintenance insomnia, which has greatly improved. I used to wake on average once an hour every hour throughout the night. Now I wake perhaps once every three. This is continuing to improve.

* Most importantly, I had stopped being able to sweat years ago. I would simply overheat. After a year of doing e-cises I started sweating again!! Once I started sweating I found I can tolerate being around chemicals more (perfumes and such), I don't get as swollen, and I recovered from exposures faster.

Nothing else I tried really helped my MCS, but this has made all the difference in the world. I'm not sure I would have recovered to this point without it. The improvement in my quality of life has been worth every minute of it!

Notes about the book itself:

* This sort of thing is very difficult to teach from a book. I've found using "menus" from each of his books to be very useful.

* Some things you have to figure out for yourself. I started on my age group's restoration e-cises in this book and my knee pain got worse. That is when I figured out that Egoscue was really serious when he said that if you have pain in a specific joint that using the "Pain Free" book first to target it was best. I did the knee exercises in that book for about a couple months and then was able to return to the menus in this book without difficulty and found it much easier.

* I love the format of this book. It starts with infancy and how even babies and children can get inadequate movement. I found its detail in how we became "out of alignment" to be most useful and it really inspired me to get back into alignment.

* He also gives a restoration menu for each age group and a maintenance menu for when that one because really easy.

* For those who want to go further than the maintenance menu, he gives a strength menu and a strength menu with weights if you are interested in using them.

* He has a menu for people who are seriously ill and need "slow changes".

* He also includes menus for prepregnancy/1st trimester, second trimester menu, third trimester menu, and post pregnancy.

* The Supine Groin Stretch Does take a long time - but only at first. The first day it took me an hour each leg for the groin muscles to relax. The second day it was about 50 minutes each. The third day it took about a half an hour each leg. But within two weeks it only took a few minutes each leg and now, still, it only takes me about two minutes a leg.

*If you have a lot of problems in many joints or very severe joint pain I suggest starting with Egoscue's "Pain Free" book, but if you don't have many problems or don't have much pain then I would recommend this one.

A couple final notes:

The e-cises really must be done everyday to see the benefit. When I skip day, two or especially three I start getting pain back, not as bad as when I first started this, but I start losing ground. When I am consistent I see progress daily. My closest friends all use this and they keep coming back to me and saying how well it works to get rid of their pain and how much better they feel afterwards.

My husband is a professor in a medical school, not only does he use Egoscue's exercises from his "Pain Free" book, he recommends these two books to people regularly.

Excellent
This book is a wonderful guide for how to maintain or find and then maintain overall health, particularly for your back. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (12)

Disappointed
I wasn't nearly as thrilled with this book as some of the folks whose reviews influenced me to buy it.If you know anything about the functional anatomy of sensation/pain and/or psychology of pain, it's not for you; you won't get anything new.If you're newly diagnosed with a chronic pain syndrome, and don't have a background in any of the above, yes, it might be helpful.

Highly Recommended
I work in a multidisciplinary pain treatment clinic as a clinical psychologist. Dr. Caudill is a well-respected scientist/expert on the subject of chronic pain.She has significant experience in hands on treatment of chronic pain.Her motives in writing this book obviously include a wish to make knowledge of effective pain coping resources more broadly available.Like other good pain coping books (e.g., "The Pain Survival Guide," Dennis Turk, PhD), the book effectively covers a range of knowledge of what works in helping chronic pain patients help themselves.Caudill details up-to-date and proven means of controlling pain.She explores how mind and body interact to regulate and moderate pain and how to reduce and better manage pain (e.g. learning to moderate sympathetic arousal, reducing fatigue, pacing, interpersonal factors that effect pain and visa-versa, changing thoughts and behaviors and maintaining gains).
The book is systematically structured as an effective self-help tool.It provides many well-formed exercises to effectively encourage adoption of proven resources.I encourage patients to use it as part of outpatient treatment process.I also routinely suggest it to patients who prefer to work on their own.In either case, many patients effectively apply it with little or no assistance.
If you are looking for self-help with chronic pain, I highly recommend this book.I do not think you will be disappointed.I also recommend "The Pain Survival Guide."Both are written by articulate and compassionate experts.I recommend both books to healthcare professionals who regularly, or occasionally, treat individuals with chronic pain, as effective summaries of current clinical wisdom on these subjects.
I believe it is important to add that, for many with chronic pain, gaining the motivation to help self is the biggest challenge.Often a first issue is determining if the cost of addressing, managing and taking responsibility to manage pain appears worth the benefit.Caudill treats both issues with understanding and empathy.

DOCTOR RECOMMENDED AND NOW I KNOW WHY!
I suffer from fibromyalgia, chronic cluster headaches, 3 herniated discs in my neck covered in bone spurs and 3 herniated discs in my lower back and torn ligaments in my right knee. Granted I am medicated, but this book is a wonderful help. It gives you hope and follows through. I would recommend this to ANYONE! PLEASE, IF YOU SUFFER FROM PAIN, EVEN MINOR PAIN, GET THIS AND READ IT. IT WILL BENEFIT YOU! Get it in hardback if available. I wish I would have.

Used in our Pain Class
Since 2003 I've been using this book in my chronic pain class that I conduct. The patients get to check out the book for the four weeks. We have a difficult time getting them to turn it back in because they enjoy the material.There are so many good tools in this book. I would recommend this for any health care professional that deals with chronic pain patients.

Using it for Ongoing Chronic Pain Program
Our Pain Committee reviewed several resources before settling on this workbook for our community Living With Chronic Pain Program. It has not disappointed us as we are in our 5th program cycle. Participants find it a valuable resource, the summaries are like 'cliff notes' at the end of chapters so they can keep up with the reading, and I have been very pleased with the information. It is current, helpful, and up to date. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (16)

Beautiful. Crackling Dialogue; an Excellent Read
This is a great one.Cameron's dialogue is so sharp and focused it just jumps off of the page.It's one of those books that screams for you to read passages aloud to other people. At turns very, very funny and other times sad and brattish; this is a real winner!

another snobby teenager
I like Peter Cameron and his writing which is why I gave this book at least 2 stars, but truly, the boy in this book was quite insufferable, I just wanted to smack him.And ultimately the book just kind of ends, without anyresolution, I just didn't get the point. I think the fawning praise this book has received is a bit overboard so don't be fooled by it.As a YA novel it's all rather pointless, read the Sherman Alexie book instead.

Imperfect but Still Sweet
Cameron offers in his novel a portrait of a boy on the last stage of childhood - his hero is free from the confinements of secondary school he hated and not quite ready to enter university he is rather afraid of but which awaits him with open arms. This is the moment (generally speaking) when The Catcher in the Rye also starts and This Pain starts with enough momentum to make the reader believe we have a 21st century Catcher here. We don't. What starts so well soon grinds to a halt like a car with not enough fuel. Too many characters on board may be a problem too - they are interesting and at least to a degree credible but the stage gets a little too crowded for a little monodram we would expect.
Cameron manages very successfully to depict his character, his flaws and failures, but he fails to deliver a story that would both suit this character, and keep the reader interested. The book will not be wasted on James' peers who may share his problems and fears but it may not be enough to hold an older audience for long.

Facing Adulthood
Cameron, Peter. "Someday This Pain Will Be Useful To You", Farrar Strauss Giroux, 2007.

Facing Adulthood

Amos Lassen

Coming-of-age is never easy but it is very hard in cynical tines. James Sveck is a cynic growing up surrounded by cynics in Peter Cameron's new novel, "Someday This Pain Will Be Useful To You". Here is a novel written beautifully and crafted with great skill that not only is endearing but humorous as well. It is a novel about today and Cameron manages to capture the cynicism and with sarcastic irony the period in which we live today. James, our hero, observes all that is happening around him as he leaves high school and prepares for college at Brown University.
The sarcastic title of the book sets the tone for the novel and as we meet our socially antagonistic hero we learn that he is emotionally distant, obsessed with himself and that his parents are upper class and have divorced. It is his summer before college and he really doesn't want to go because he knows that he will have to interact with others. He spends that summer working at his mother's art gallery or going off to visit his grandmother or going to a therapist which his parents felt was a good idea after he supposedly had a nervous breakdown the year before while on a school trip.
James's fears, dreams and compulsions and passions are handled with lyrical writing by Cameron. It is never really clear if is gay but he does show the desire to be loved by the gay manager of his mother's gallery. He is frightened of life and Cameron is able to beautifully depict that with his writing. We also get an excellent satire of the art world and its pretentiousness.
Cameron tells us a tale of a culture where almost everyone is born again or undergoing therapy because they are unable to connect with the world which is devoid of idealism. This is seen through the eyes of a young man who doubts that he will find his own way in the world we live in.

A Gem of a Book!
I very much enjoyed several of Peter Cameron's earlier books,Andorra, Weekend and another book thta takes places in urguary whose name excapes me at the moment, and was, therefore, positively pre-disposed to this bookand I was not disappointed.I found this oddly named book a wonderful and highly involved reading experience ..yes, ti did remind me of Catcher in the Rye but I found it quite contemporary and wished that it would have continued on since James became more and more an interesting observer of all around him and I wished to experience more of his impending life rather than "letting him go" as he went off to college at Brown ..and, with the rest of his life experiences. ... Read more

Book Description
Dr. Art Brownstein suffered back pain for twenty agonizing years. Now he shares the cure that worked for him and thousands of others: his revolutionary Back to Life Program.

Sharing his own story of surgery, painkiller dependency, and severe depression, Dr. Brownstein guides you through the recovery program that gave him his life back. Today, he runs a medical practice, bikes, surfboards, teaches yoga, and leads an active life -- free of pain! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (41)

If you have back pain, this book will help you
This is a wonderful book!When you read it, you know instinctively that what you're reading is true.If you're in enough pain to try even some of the exercises and ideas in the book, it will help you.

Back Pain Gone
Twice in my life I have experienced debilitating back pain:twenty years ago, which resulted in a successful spinal fusion, and eight weeks ago--a bolt of electricity shot through my lower back, not once but twice.Ouch!Not wanting to relive myearlier experience, I read Healing Back Pain Naturally from cover to cover and applied the principles as I read.
Art Brownstein addresses all aspects of back pain from the various causes of the pain to principles of self healing.There are excellent photographs and written descriptions of stretches which promote healing.He also factors in the role stress plays and includes several breathing/relaxation/visualization techniques to practice. He covers nutrition, returning to work and to play, and emotional healing.A list of recommended reading is included for those who wish to explore furthur.
At this time, I am 90% healed.Just have to stick with the program everyday.And I will.

At Least Do Phase I For One Week Before Giving Up On This Program
I have purchased 6 of these books, I have given 5 of them to friends who are suffering from back pain or know some one who is. The ones who have started the program and done at least the Phase I exercises have reduced their pain and their condition has improved. I bought the first book because one of my friends was in great pain and chiropractic adjustments had not helped, he did not have insurance nor money for MRI or Orthopedic Medicine, so I bought the book, read it from cover to cover, did the exercises myself and ask my friend to do them, at first he was skeptical and felt that if doctor visits, pain medication, girdles and chiropractors had not helped "Do you think exercises on the floor will help me? You are crazy."Well I convinced him that he had nothing to lose by trying. I showed him the book and I took him through all the Phase I exercises, he did those for a week and he noticed that the pain seemed to be less intense: "May be we are onto something" he said. Within a month, he could sleep better and now a few years later he is almost pain-free, he has confessed that when he does not do the exercises the pain seems to come back, so every night and morning he does the Phase I exercises only, I believe that if he did all three phases he would probably fix his problem which he thinks is a herniated disk. I do the exercises my self and I am much more flexible, once I helped a friend unload a heavy bag from the trunk of the car and my back went out. I rested on my back for one day and did the exercises and within a week I was feeling better.
Thanks Doctor Brownstein, you have truly helped lots of people with this book.

These are my recommendations to heal your back.

1. Buy a hard mattress, go to the furniture store that caters to the Chinese or Koreancommunity and buy a Korean made mattress, they are hard.
2. Buy this book, preferably the hard cover edition and read as much as you can and do at least the Phase I exercises. If you are in extreme pain you may only be able to do the first exercise of the Phase I set of exercises only, this is why it is important you read the chapters that precede the exercises so you understand how the back works and what could go wrong with it and what you need to do when something goes wrong with it.
3. Do at least the Phase I exercises. Do all the exercises if possible, Phase I through Phase III.
4. Enroll in a Yoga class.

In the reviews I see that some people claim that they tried this program and did not work for them. I can only say that if you did the exercises for one or two days and gave up, then you have truly denied yourself from the great benefits that this program can bring. You need to do at least the Phase I exercises one month everyday--faithfully; then make a judgment on whether this program is beneficial.

Best wishes to all.

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
To the author, a great big THANK YOU! I have read dozens of books about back pain, been to physiotherapists and doctors, taken medication and tried numerous exercise programs, and nothing worked. However, thanks to this book, I finally have relief from long-term, chronic back pain.(Herniated disk in lower back.)

This book is worth the cover price just for the exercises alone. I have been completing the Phase 1 exercises on a daily basis and already I can put on my socks and pants with ease, bend over to dry my feet when I get out of the shower, easily get in and out of bed without pain, etc. I even sat through a 2-hour workshop today and felt no pain when I stood up. This would have been impossible previously. For example, a couple months ago, I went to a restaurant with friends and when I stood up at the end of the meal, I felt so much pain in my back and hip that I could not stand up straight. Not now! I can stand up straight and I am pain-free.

I will admit to having some doubts about the mind-body connection referred to in the book. However, it is all so well presented, that I am willing to consider it. That aside, I think the exercises alone provide so much pain relief that it is still a very valuable book. I am going to buy it to give to a couple people as gifts.

It works!
Great investment for those with back pain.Just from bits and pieces of what I have read and practiced so far, I've been able to recover from a recent back injury in a very short period of time and will hopefully lead to a pain-free back for life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (56)

Any structural ache? A must-read as a second opinion!
The older I get, the more I need to believe in second (health status) opinions? This book encourages believing in the power of one's own body. This is not hokus-pokus. This is based on the healing power of the body by using mind (emotion) and body. The book is witten by a well-established MD, who isquestioning "standard" practices.

This book changed my life.
Yes, I am serious.No hyperbole. I had just moved to North Carolina from Florida in 1986, but was back in Florida on business. Because I still had a month or more on my membership at a local fitness/rehab center, I went there to work out each day of my visit.On one particular day, I was aching pretty badly from the long-running, chronic back pain I had had for more than seven years.

At the time, it was attributed to a car accident in which I totaled my car.Seemed logical.But, that day in the Florida fitness center, I picked up a magazine (I think it was New York magazine, but it might have been The New Yorker) and read an article about back pain.As I read it and peddled on a stationary bike, I was experiencing constant back pain.One reference in the article was to Dr. Sarno and his views on this subject.I didn't realize at the time how I was internalizing his theory.

That evening, I was at a friend's home waiting for them to arrive home from work.I thought about what I had read and it struck me like the proverbial thunderbolt.Here I was, about to sit down on a couch and I realized that I could test Sarno's idea.Instead of my typical posturing and holding my back to avoid pain as I tried to sit, I literally flopped and fell into the seat, throwing caution to the wind. I figured, what have I got to lose?A bit more pain?Well, there was no pain.None.It absolutely shocked me.I laughed out loud.Of course, I then got up, but noticed that I slipped into my habitual holding tight as if my back had a steel rod running up and through it. That hurt! That made me realize thatwas "me" and not a skeletal or other physical problem that I had.I then had something remarkable happen.The muscles in my back and upper buttocks literally relaxed in a wave of release.This was all about Sarno's theory, folks.And it worked for me.I bought Dr. Sarno's book before I left Florida.

I went back to my new home in NC and at my next chiropractic session (I had been to M.D.'s, physical therapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists since the onset of the pain), I waved the book in the air and proclaimed what I had learned.She wanted no part of it.And so, that was my last chiropractic session with her or any chiropractor for this so-called chronic lower back pain.Ever since then, I've been able to manage any twinges of recurring pain because they are few and far apart and eliminated through stress management and relaxation.I don't know where Dr. Sarno is, but he changed my life and I thank him for it.

It really works!
Like many other reviewers, I'm here to tell you that Dr. John Sarno's theory that the majority of chronic back pain is caused by stress will set you free.

I found myself during a particularly high stress period experiencing numbness and pain in my right arm. Within a month I was immobilized by it, living on Vicodin.

It took about 6 weeks of reading and re-reading the book to get to the point where I no longer needed pain killers. I had been told I had a bulging disc and would require surgery. Dr. Sarno saved me from surgery.

Yes.... really.

If you are suffering from chronic back pain I urge you to read this book. The realization that we are doing it to ourselves - once it sinks in - is enough to end your pain and change your life.

I still feel a little pain on occassion - always during times of stress or fear - and I need only remind myself of what I learned from Dr. Sarno and it goes away. It is not an instant cure, and you DO need to read and re-read until your mind accepts the concept and your body falls in line...
but it WORKS!!

This is a good start!
When I first read Dr. Sarno's Mind Over Back Pain I developed a good understanding of the mind/body connection. It was his Healing Back Pain that give me a deeper understanding of how repressed anger, anxiety, and frustration can cause pain. At the time I was disabled with back, leg, neck, and hand pain, and quite disappointed and frustrated with the treatments I had recieved.

Dr. Sarno's explanation answered all my questions about my condition and fit perfectly well with all the crucial research information I had discovered. Although Dr. Sarno's guidelines seemed useful, I felt the need for more concrete steps and a faster recovery time. As a father of two, I wanted to get well as quickly as possible.

So I designed an effective nine-step plan for rapid recovery based on techniques used by Olympic athletes. The rapid recovery plan helped me improve immediately and recover shortly after. Those with herniated discs as well as carpal tunnel syndrome have recovered rapidly using these techniques.

After my recovery I wanted to share my story and the recovery plan with all those suffering needlessly from back and neck pain. In addition to conducting seminars and workshops for the University of California, CIGNA, and other organizations, I wrote Rapid Recovery from Back and Pain: A Nine-Step Recovery Plan which provides crucial research on back and neck pain and many cases of rapid recovery as well as a section for designing a personal rapid recovery plan. Rapid Recovery from Back and Neck Pain is availabe at Amazon.com.

Buy newer edition!
Dr. Sarno's concept is sound, but this is his first report, rather old.There are two newer books, the best of which, of course, is the 2006 "The Divided Mind : The Epidemic of Mindbody Disorders", which I highly recommend.

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Book Description
Relieve and prevent chronic pain forever with this simple, safe, and sure-fire three-minute daily program!

Imagine a world free of aches and pains...no back pain, headaches, joint stiffness, or arthritis; no expensive ergonomic equipment or pain medications. With Dr. Joseph Weisberg's revolutionary new system, a pain-free life is now within reach of everyone--even those who have endured chronic pain for years.

At the heart of Dr. Weisberg's system is the 3-Minute Maintenance Method--a unique program for all ages and fitness levels that eliminates the conditions that cause pain in the first place. By utilizing six different thirty-second therapeutic movements the program makes it possible for the body to keep itself free of pain.

Thanks to Dr. Weisberg's groundbreaking program, relief--and a lifetime of healthy muscles and joints--is finally at hand. In fact, it's just three minutes away!

Download Description
"Relieve and prevent chronic pain forever with this simple, safe, and sure-fire three-minute daily program! Imagine a world free of aches and pains...no back p